Guys, I love to read. LOVE IT! But in all seriousness, I rarely make the time for myself anymore. So many different reasons I suppose...from getting caught up in too much TV time, work, falling down the social media hole, and just plain exhaustion (ya feel this one?).
But lately, I've been making it a priority. I'm getting up earlier on my days off to get some reading time in. I tend to jump from different topics lately that focus on self-improvement, spirituality, and even learning to speak Spanish! Hola! Jajajaja, this last one is a serious work in progress. How badly I wish I'd take Spanish in school when I had the chance.
There are things I really NEED to read as well, as both an ICU nurse and a nursing educator, in addition to the reading associated with my own schooling (I'll talk about this situation at a later date) so I find myself digging into resource articles, nursing textbooks, and hospital library resources. We need to keep current in this profession so I try to put that time in. Just to keep it interesting, I've been studying medical Spanish resource manuals as well, to better help me communicate with the occasional Spanish speaking only patient I might have in my care (these interactions can be pretty hilarious, but hey, they appreciate that I'm trying!).
What has been the MOST fun for me, and something I haven't done in several years, is read for just the pure FUN of it. No studying. No assigned reading. No deadlines for completion. Just curling up with a good book and reading. AHHHHHH. This is the best kind of reading in my opinion.
I recently read QB: My Life Behind the Spiral by Steve Young. I could not put this book down. As huge Brigham Young University fans, my family is pretty familiar with Steve's quarterback status, both in college and pro ball. We love him and what he stands for. What I didn't know was the dedication and effort he put in to perfecting his game. He didn't start out as a passing quarterback. Say what??? He was pretty pitiful at it, in fact. He decided to study that art and spent relentless extra hours on the field, and even more time at first studying those who were great at it. Huge lesson to be learned by this level of determination. He suffered so many setbacks along his journey and never gave up. Highly recommend if you're craving a little inspiration in your life. 5 out of 5 stars.
Because I loved this book so much, I picked his new book up yesterday. So far, it's equally as good, though it will be a much shorter read. The Law of Love starts with the quote "The law of love is loving as God loves, seeking another's healing, expecting nothing in return". Beautiful, right? This book has a message we don't hear much in today's world of inward gratification and reward. I'm only in the first chapter, so I'll let you know what I think when I'm finished. You can find both books on Amazon.... the best shopping concept ever created, ha! My husband is pretty sure I alone keep them in business, but don't listen to his foolishness. He receives just as many packages as I do on the regular ;)
In other news, I recently read Verity, by Colleen Hoover, and am still haunted by the ending. Seriously. Murder mystery at it's most haunting. Have any of you read this? If so, I'm dying to know what you think. But caution, it's for sure not G-rated.
Anyway.... I'd love to know if you have any must reads I should add to my list! Drop me a comment and share your thoughts =)